TWH – At the beginning of the weekend, we saw the Worm Moon, the March full moon that marks the last full moon of winter. It reached its peak illumination at 3:20 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time on Friday, March 18, 2022.
Spring crocuses – Image credit: S. Bustamonte
The Hindu festival of colors, Holi, began the next morning. Holi marks the beginning of spring and the end of winter and signifies the triumph of good over evil when prince Prahlada was protected by the god Vishnu from being burned in a bonfire because of his faith. The festival occurs on the day after the last full moon of the Hindu month of Phalguna. The festival is marked by bonfires and the throwing of brightly colored powders that represent being engulfed by the bonfire and emerging unscathed like the prince.
The Sun does arise,
And make happy the skies.
The merry bells ring
To welcome the Spring.
The sky-lark and thrush,
The birds of the bush,
Sing louder around,
To the bells’ cheerful sound.
While our sports shall be seen
On the Echoing Green.– The Echoing Green, William Blake (1789)
Today marks the celebration of the March equinox and the astronomical beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere and autumn in the southern hemisphere. The actual equinox occurred at 11:33 AM EDT Sunday, Mar. 20 (15:33 Coordinated Universal Time). The word equinox comes from the Latin word “equinoxium,” meaning “equality between day and night.”
Spring crocuses – Image credit: S. Bustamonte
The March equinox in the northern hemisphere is called the vernal a term that also comes from Latin and means “spring.”
When lilacs last in the dooryard bloom’d,
And the great star early droop’d in the western sky in the night,
I mourn’d, and yet shall mourn with ever-returning spring.Ever-returning spring, trinity sure to me you bring,
Lilac blooming perennial and drooping star in the west,
And thought of him I love.– When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d, Walt Whiteman
Folks in the northern hemisphere will look forward to longer days and warmer weather while our friends in Argentina, Australia, South Africa, and across the southern hemisphere will slowly turn to shorter days, cooler temperatures, and autumn joys.
Many Pagans, Witches, Heathens, and polytheists celebrate the spring equinox as Ostara, Alban Eiler, Shubun-sai, or simply the coming of spring. Within their own varied and diverse traditions, they find ways to honor or recognize the warming days and renewed growth, as winter makes its slow departure.
Nowruz is the Persian New Year and occurs on the March Equinox. The festival is also honored in the Baha’i faith. . The word Nowruz means “new day.” Other early springtime festivals are Higan in Japan, the Christian Easter, and Purim – last Thursday- and then Passover in the Jewish tradition.
There are many others both secular and religious.
Jasmine blossoms in Miami [Photo Credit: S. Ciotti]
The spring equinox also marks the beginning of the U.S. Pagan festival season. SisterSpirit’s Pagan Faire was yesterday in Portland, Oregon. Paganicon 2022 is occurring this weekend in Minneapolis. Their closing ritual is “Now the Green Blade Riseth: A Rite of Farewell” led by Steven Posch to honor “Lady of Spring to ask for Her blessing on our homeward journeys. Gather for the Offering at [venue], or join in the Closing Procession as it passes.” Safe travels to the participants and many blessings to Twin Cities Pagan Pride!
Con la primavera
Viene la canción,
La tristeza dulce
Y el galante amor.Con la primavera
Viene una ansiedad
De pájaro preso
Que quiere volar.No hay cetro más noble
Que el de padecer:
Sólo un rey existe:
El muerto es el rey.– Con la primavera, José Martí
However, you celebrate or honor this season, equinox blessings from The Wild Hunt!
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